This post contains references to products from one or more of our advertisers. We may receive compensation when you click on links to those products. For an explanation of our Advertising Disclosure, visit this page. Johnny Jet has partnered with CardRatings for our coverage of credit card products. Johnny Jet and CardRatings may receive a commission from card issuers. Opinions, reviews, analyses & recommendations are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, endorsed, or approved by any of these entities.

The information for the American Express® Green Card has been collected independently by Johnny Jet. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

If earning points, miles, or cash back in 2024 is one of your goals, one of the easiest ways to do it is by using the right credit card. Earning dining rewards is actually quite easy. Even better, you don’t even have to eat at a physical restaurant to earn rewards. Many cards also earn points/miles or cash back on takeout and delivery services.

Plus, some of the best dining credit cards also earn rewards on other common purchases, like gas or groceries, with no (or low) annual fees. 

You can redeem your rewards for free hotel nights, upgrades on travel, or simply to get cash back. Since dining is a regular expense for many people, getting bonus rewards on restaurant purchases is an easy way to maximize your spending. Here is a list of the best credit cards for dining and restaurants in 2024.

Use some of the best credit cards for dining and restaurants and enjoy lunch at Daikan Yashiki Restaurant, Japan.

Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more.

Best Credit Cards for Dining and Restaurants in 2024

Here’s a preview of the best credit cards for dining and restaurants. Note that many of the cards on this list are also great to use for everyday spending. However, if you are loyal to a specific airline or hotel that also earns rewards on dining, consider one of those options as it makes more sense for your lifestyle. Many (but not all) of the cards listed below come with flexibility, giving you multiple redemption options. Here’s a sample of what you’ll find. 

Check out this post if you’re looking for the best credit cards for food deliveries and eating at home.

American Express Gold Card: 4x Points at Restaurants and Up to $120 Annual Credit

The American Express® Gold Card earns 4X Membership Rewards® Points at Restaurants, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S., and earns 4X Membership Rewards® Points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1X). Plus, earn 3X Membership Rewards® Points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com.

Another perk is the ability to earn up to $10 in statement credits on a monthly basis when you use your Gold Card to pay at the following dining establishments (enrollment is required):

  • Grubhub
  • The Cheesecake Factory
  • Goldbelly
  • Wine.com
  • Milk Bar
  • Shake Shack (only at participating locations)

This perk can save you up to $120 annually.

American Express Gold Card cardholders also earn 3x points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com.

You can learn more about how hard it is to get the Amex Gold here.

The annual fee is $250, and there are no foreign transaction fees (See Rates & Fees)

New American Express® Gold Card cardholders can earn 60,000 Membership Rewards points after spending $6,000 on eligible purchases within the first 6 months. Cardholders can choose between Gold or Rose Gold. Terms apply.

U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Visa Signature® Card – 4x Rewards on Dining, Takeout, and Restaurant Delivery

The information for the U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Visa Signature® Card has been collected independently by Johnny Jet. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Another card that earns 4x rewards on dining, takeout, and restaurant delivery is the U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Visa Signature® Card. This $0 annual fee card (See Rates & Fees) also earns 2x points at grocery stores, grocery delivery, streaming services, gas stations, and EV charging stations. All other eligible purchases earn 1x point per $1 spent.

Other benefits include a $15 annual credit for streaming service purchases on things such as Netflix, Apple TV+, Spotify®, and more. Cardholders can enroll in Real-Time Rewards which allows them to shop nearly anywhere and redeem their points instantly via text message. There is no foreign transaction fee with this card either. 

New U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Visa Signature® Card cardholders can earn 20,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 in the first 90 days. That’s a $200 value redeemable towards merchandise, gift cards, cash back, travel, and more. 

Points don’t expire. Read more in our U.S. Bank Altitude Go Visa Signature Card review

Chase Sapphire Preferred Card – 3x on Dining and Restaurants Purchases

The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card earns 3x Ultimate Rewards points per $1 on all dining purchases worldwide. The Chase Sapphire Preferred earns unlimited:

  • 5x points on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards® (excluding hotel purchases that qualify for the $50 Anniversary Hotel Credit)
  • 3x points on dining (including eligible delivery services, takeout, and dining out)
  • 3x points on online grocery purchases (excluding Target®, Walmart®, and wholesale clubs)
  • Also 3x points on select streaming services
  • 2x points on all other travel purchases
  • 1x point per $1 spent on all non-bonus purchases 

Additionally, once activated, Chase Sapphire Preferred cardholders can enjoy complimentary DoorDash DashPass benefits through December 31, 2024. 

Sapphire Preferred Additional Benefits

There is a $50 annual Ultimate Rewards Hotel Credit. It comes in the form of a statement credit that will automatically be applied to your account when your card is used for hotel accommodation purchases made through the Ultimate Rewards program, up to an annual maximum accumulation of $50.

Plus, on each account anniversary, you’ll earn bonus points equal to 10% of your total purchases made the previous year. So, if you spend $25,000 on purchases, you’ll get 2,500 bonus points.

The Chase Sapphire Preferred is a reliable credit card for dining for many reasons. You have flexible redemption options where each point can always be worth at least 25% more when redeeming them through the Chase online travel portal, and you can transfer your points out to many travel partners at a 1:1 ratio instantly.

Signup Bonus

New Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card cardholders can earn 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That’s $750 when redeemed through Chase Ultimate Rewards®. Member FDIC

It has a reasonable $95 annual fee, which makes this a good fit for most consumers, regardless if they are looking for one of the best credit cards for dining and restaurants. There are no foreign transaction fees.

Related: Credit Score Needed for the Chase Sapphire Preferred

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card – Best Credit Card for Dining Purchases

Most of the best credit cards for travel rewards offer tiered rewards categories. That’s how dining rewards earn more points with some cards than others.

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is a flat-rate travel reward credit card that earns 2x miles on every purchase (including dining). However, earn 5x miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel. 

Your miles can be redeemed for travel purchases or used to book future travel with the Capital One miles travel portal.

The Capital One Venture Rewards comes with several benefits, including up to $100 for an application fee credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck and the ability to transfer your miles to leading travel loyalty programs. 

There is also a Capital One and Uber promo available if you use Uber Eats and/or Uber One. 

It has a $95 annual fee but no foreign transaction fees. 

Tip: The Chase Sapphire Preferred vs Capital One Venture Rewards are some of the top travel credit cards you could own. See our comparison of the two.

Enjoy a one-time bonus of 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel, with the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card.

Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card – Unlimited 3% Cash Back on Dining; $0 Annual Fee

The Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card earns unlimited rewards in the following categories:

  • 10% Cash Back on purchases made through Uber & Uber Eats, plus complimentary Uber One membership statement credits through 11/14/2024
  • 8% Cash Back on Capital One Entertainment purchases
  • 5% Cash Back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel (terms apply)
  • 3% Cash Back on dining and at grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart® and Target®)
  • 3% Cash Back on popular streaming services and entertainment
  • 1% Cash Back on all other purchases

It’s not a bad option for frequent purchases. There are no rotating categories to select or activate nor limits to how much you can earn.

There is a $0 annual fee and no foreign transaction fee.

New Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card cardholders can earn a one-time $200 cash bonus after spending $500 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening.

Bilt Mastercard – 3x Points on Dining

The Bilt World Elite Mastercard® is a unique card in that it lets you earn points on rent. Cardholders earn 3x points on dining, 2x points on travel, 1x points on rent payments (up to 100,000 points each calendar year; without the transaction fee to worry about as it’s waived for Bilt users), and 1x points on all other eligible purchases. Read about the Rewards and Benefits to learn more. 

Additionally, earn DOUBLE the points on the first of the month. So, you can earn even more on rent day with 6x on dining, 4x on travel, and 2x on other purchases (excluding rent). 

Another dining benefit includes a 3-month DashPass membership for free as a new member with your Bilt Mastercard. Plus, both new and existing members get $5 off their first order each month. 

Cardholders can redeem points for:

  • Travel
  • Shopping 
  • Fitness
  • Rent
  • Downpayment on a house

Read more in our The Bilt Credit Card Review: A New Way to Pay Rent.

There is no annual fee or foreign transaction fee.

Bashi spring rolls. Credit: Johnny Jet

Chase Sapphire Reserve – Up to 10x Dining Rewards

The Chase Sapphire Reserve® earns 3x points on dining purchases. As a premium travel rewards card, you also get some luxurious travel benefits, including a $300 travel credit and airport lounge access.

Chase Sapphire Reserve® purchases earn up to 10x Ultimate Rewards. Cardholders can earn unlimited: 

  • 10x total points on hotels and car rental purchases through Chase Travel℠ (after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually)
  • 10x total points on Chase Dining purchases with Ultimate Rewards
  • 5x total points on flights when you purchase travel through Chase Travel℠ (after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually)
  • 3x points on other travel worldwide (after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually)
  • 3x points on other dining at restaurants, including eligible delivery services, takeout, and dining out
  • 1x points for all remaining purchases

 You will not receive rewards points on your first $300 in annual travel purchases as the annual travel statement credit reimburses these purchases.

Once activated, Chase Sapphire Reserve cardholders can enjoy complimentary DoorDash DashPass benefits through December 31, 2024. 

Additional Benefits

Most credit card rewards points are only worth 1 cent each. With the Sapphire Reserve, your points are worth 1.5 cents each when redeemed for travel. You can also transfer them directly to your airline or hotel loyalty account, where they can be worth 2 cents each. If you’re keeping track of the math, that’s double the average redemption value.

Some of the Chase Sapphire transfer partners include Southwest Airlines, United Airlines, and Hyatt. 

New Chase Sapphire Reserve® cardholders can earn 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That’s $900 toward travel when redeemed through Chase Travel℠.

The Chase Sapphire Reserve is a premium card with a $550 annual fee. But, the perks, like the $300 annual travel credit, can easily offset the annual fee. Learn more in our Chase Sapphire Reserve review.

Related: The Best Limited-Time Credit Card Offers

American Express Green Card – 3x Points at Restaurants 

The American Express® Green Card earns 3x Membership Rewards® points on eligible purchases at restaurants worldwide, including takeout and delivery in the US. It also earns 3x points per $1 spent on travel including airfare, hotels, cruises, tours, car rentals, campgrounds, and vacation rentals. Plus, earn 3x points on transit purchases including trains, taxicabs, rideshare services, ferries, tolls, parking, buses, and subways.

Additional travel perks include a statement credit of up to $189 annually for CLEAR membership that can be used to get through the TSA security lines more quickly. Membership can be used at select airports and stadiums across the United States. The Amex Green Card is one of the few to offer CLEAR benefits (many premium credit cards provide fee credits for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck only).

American Express Green Card cardholders can also earn up to $100 in statement credits annually for LoungeBuddy purchases. The annual fee is $150 (See Rates & Fees). Terms apply.

New American Express® Green Card cardholders can earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® Points after they spend $3,000 on purchases on their new Card in their first 6 months of Card Membership. Plus, earn 20% back on eligible travel and transit purchases made during your first 6 months of Card Membership, up to $200 back in the form of a statement credit.

Chase Freedom Flex – 3% Cash Back on Dining

The information for the Chase Freedom Flex℠ has been collected independently by Johnny Jet. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

The Chase Freedom Flex℠ not only earns 3% back on dining at restaurants but it also earns other rewards on drugstores and travel. Cardholders earn:

  • 5% cash back on up to $1,500 in combined purchases in bonus categories each quarter you activate (then 1% back)
  • 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®
  • 3% cash back on dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery services
  • 3% cash back on drugstore purchases
  • 1% on all other purchases

New Chase Freedom Flex℠ cardholders can earn a $200 bonus after they spend $500 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. 

There is no annual fee, and rewards do not expire as long as your account is open. Read more about the benefits of this card in our in-depth Chase Freedom Flex Card review.

U.S. Bank Business Triple Cash Rewards World Elite Mastercard

The information for the U.S. Bank Business Triple Cash Rewards World Elite Mastercard® has been collected independently by Johnny Jet. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

The U.S. Bank Business Triple Cash Rewards World Elite Mastercard® is a no-annual-fee card that earns triple cash back on select purchases that are used often (See Rates & Fees). Cardholders can earn 3% cash back on select eligible purchases at gas stations and EV charging stations, office supply stores, cell phone service providers, and restaurants. Additionally, earn 5% cash back on prepaid hotels and car rentals booked directly in the Travel Center. Cardholders earn 1% cash back on all other eligible net purchases.

New U.S. Bank Business Triple Cash Rewards World Elite Mastercard® cardholders can earn $500 in cash back after spending $4,500 on the Account Owner’s card in the first 150 days of account opening.

Additionally, cardholders can enjoy an annual $100 statement credit for recurring software subscription expenses. Such expenses include FreshBooks or quickbooks.

Another perk of this card is the ability to pay over time. Pay over time by splitting eligible purchases of $100+ into equal monthly payments with U.S. Bank ExtendPay™ Plan.

There are no limits on how much total cash back can be earned. Additionally, rewards won’t expire. Learn more in our U.S. Bank Business Triple Cash Rewards World Elite Mastercard review

Johnny and Natalie at the Sleeping Buffalo Dining Room in Banff, Alberta Canada in April 2015.

Hilton Honors Credit Cards – at least 5x Hilton Points

I know what you may be thinking. A hotel credit card is one of the best credit cards for dining and restaurants. Co-brand travel rewards cards tend to offer the best dining rewards. The one tradeoff is that you can only redeem your points for award travel with that particular airline or hotel. For dining rewards, the Hilton credit cards have some of the most robust rewards at U.S. restaurants:

Note that the Hilton Honors cards are some of the best hotel credit cards available, thanks to their exclusive perks and exciting bonuses. 

Costco Anywhere Visa Card by Citi – 3% Back on Dining

The information for the Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi has been collected independently by Johnny Jet. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Costco shoppers might benefit from the Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi. You will get 3% back on dining and travel rewards that can be redeemed for Costco cash rewards. Other purchase categories include:

  • 4% cash back on eligible gas and EV charging purchases for the first $7,000 per year and then 1% after that
  • 3% cash back on restaurants and eligible travel purchases
  • 2% cash back on all other purchases from Costco and Costco.com
  • 1% cash back on all other purchases

Cardholders receive an annual credit card reward certificate, which is redeemable for cash or merchandise at U.S. Costco warehouses.

best credit cards for dining and restaurants
While earning rewards with the best credit cards for dining and restaurants, you can try all kinds of pizza varieties, like this one from Terroni Restaurant in Toronto. Photo by Johnny Jet

The Best Credit Cards for Dining and Restaurants: 2x Points

Most credit cards with bonus dining rewards offer 2 points per $1 spent. Here are a few of the best credit cards for dining and restaurants that earn 2x points.

Ink Business Cash Credit Card

The Ink Business Cash® Credit Card earns 2% back on the first $25,000 in combined spending for restaurants and gas stations on each account anniversary year. It also earns 5% back at office supply stores and the internet, phone, and cable purchases each year. All non-bonus purchases earn 1% back with no limit to the amount that can be earned.

New Ink Business Cash® Credit Card cardholders can earn a $750 bonus cash back after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

Your rewards points are worth 1 cent each for cash or travel rewards, but you might consider a Chase credit card combination to make your Ink Business Cash rewards points worth more for award travel.

United Explorer Card

For a long time, airline rewards cards only paid one point on dining purchases. That’s started to change as the competition continues to heat up! The United℠ Explorer Card earns 2x points on dining and hotel stays. You can also get a 25% back on United in-flight food and beverage purchases.

Citi / AAdvantage Platinum Select World Elite Mastercard

The information for the Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard® has been collected independently by Johnny Jet. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Get 2x points at every restaurant with the Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard®. You will also earn double points for gas stations and American Airlines purchases. In-flight food and beverages on AA planes are eligible for a 25% statement credit. Another new benefit is getting a $100 American Airlines flight credit when you spend at least $20,00 in total card purchases during your card membership year and renew your card.

IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card

The IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card earns up to 26x total points at IHG® Hotels & Resorts worldwide. Additionally, cardholders earn 5x points per $1 spent on purchases on travel, gas stations, and restaurants. Earn 3x points per $1 spent on all other purchases.

Additional IHG travel benefits include:

  • Reward Night after each account anniversary year at eligible IHG hotels worldwide
  • Enjoy a reward night when you redeem points for any stay of 3 or more nights
  • IHG Platinum Elite status
  • TSA PreCheck, Global Entry, or NEXUS application fee credit (up to $100)

New IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card cardholders can earn 165,000 Bonus Points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

Member FDIC

The annual fee is $99. 

The World of Hyatt Credit Card

The World of Hyatt Credit Card earns 9x points total on Hyatt purchases (4x points per $1 when you use your card at Hyatt hotels & 5x points per $1 you can earn as a World of Hyatt member). You also earn 2x points on restaurants, airline tickets purchased directly from the airlines, local transit, commuting services, and fitness club and gym memberships.

It arguably has the best free hotel night certificate that lets you stay at any Category 1-4 Hyatt property each year.

New The World of Hyatt Credit Card cardmembers can earn a signup bonus of up to 60,000 World of Hyatt Bonus Points. Earn the first 30,000 points by spending $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. Plus, earn up to 30,000 More Bonus Points by earning 2x Bonus Points total per $1 spent in the first 6 months from account opening on purchases that normally earn 1x Bonus Point, on up to $15,000 spent.

Additionally, cardholders can enjoy complimentary World of Hyatt Discoverist status for as long as their account is open.

Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Credit Card

The information for the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card has been collected independently by Johnny Jet. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

The Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card doesn’t have a bonus dining category, but it earns 2x points per $1 spent on all non-Marriott purchases. Cardholders can earn up to 17x points per $1 spent at over 7,000 hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy® with the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Card.

You can also earn 3x Bonvoy points per $1 on the first $6,000 spent in combined purchases each year on grocery stores, gas stations, and dining.

Additionally, earn 1 Elite Night Credit towards Elite Status for every $5,000 you spend.

Plus, receive 15 Elite Night Credits annually, automatic Silver Elite Status each account anniversary year, and a path to Gold Status when you spend $35,000 on purchases each calendar year.

New limited-time offer! New Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card cardholders can earn 5 Free Night Awards (each night valued up to 50,000 points) after spending $5,000 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening with the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card.

There are no foreign transaction fees, and the annual fee is $95. Your points don’t expire as long as you make purchases on your card every 24 months.

A Terranea mojito. Credit: Johnny Jet

Citi Double Cash Card

The information for the Citi® Double Cash Card has been collected independently by Johnny Jet. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

If you prefer cash rewards to travel rewards, the Citi® Double Cash Card is a cash back credit card that earns 2% back on every purchase (earn 2% on every purchase with unlimited 1% cash back when you buy, plus an additional 1% as you pay for those purchases). To earn cash back, pay at least the minimum due on time. You can redeem your rewards for cash statement credits. Citi will even pay your first late fee in case you forget to make a payment. That’s a nice perk that comes with this dining rewards credit card.

You can read more in our in-depth Citi Double Cash review.

Delta SkyMiles Blue American Express Card

The Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card earns 2x miles per dollar at restaurants worldwide, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S. Additionally, it earns 2x miles per dollar spent on Delta purchases and 1x mile on all other eligible purchases. Plus, you can Pay with Miles: take up to $50 off the cost of your flight for every 5,000 miles you redeem with Pay with Miles when you book on delta.com.

New Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card cardholders can earn 10,000 bonus miles after spending $1,000 in purchases on their new Card in their first 6 months.

This no-annual-fee card also has no foreign transaction fees (See Rates & Fees). Plus, receive a 20% savings in the form of a statement credit after using your Card on eligible Delta in-flight purchases of food and beverages. It is one of the best Delta cards available. 

Summary of the Best Credit Cards for Dining and Restaurants

In conclusion, there are various options available when it comes to the best credit cards for dining and restaurants. It doesn’t matter if you prefer travel rewards or cash rewards; you have many options to earn bonus rewards. Fortunately, choosing the best card is easier than deciding what to pick from the menu tonight! And don’t forget that you can earn even more rewards by adding your restaurant credit card to dining rewards programs.

Best Credit Cards for Dining and Restaurants in 2024

Related Articles:

For rates and fees of The American Express® Gold Card, please click here.

For rates and fees of the American Express® Green Card, please click here.

And For rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card, please click here.

For rates and fees of the Hilton Honors American Express Card, please click here.

Johnny Jet has partnered with CardRatings for our coverage of credit card products. Johnny Jet and CardRatings may receive a commission from card issuers.

7 Comments On "Best Credit Cards For Dining, Restaurants, Takeout, & More"
  1. bebetter|

    This is such a crap article. You clearly have not done your research. You’ve left off multiple credit cards from big name suppliers with 0$ annual fee. I can’t believe this is the google snippet result.

    1. Johnny Jet Editorial|

      Sorry, you feel that way. We primarily focus on travel transferrable points, but there are 5 no annual fee dining credit cards mentioned: Capital One Savor, Uber Visa, Wells Fargo Propel, Costco, and Citi Double Cash.

  2. John|

    Why is there no mention of the Amex green that offers 3x dining worldwide ?

    1. Johnny Jet Editorial|

      Good catch. We’ll add a section on the Amex Green’s 3x on dining.

  3. Sean|

    I get 5 miles per dollar on Alaska Air card for dining.

  4. BW|

    US Bank Altitude Go is 4% back on dining with no AF or FTF. Uber Visa was discontinued.

    1. Johnny Jet Editorial|

      Thank you, BW, for your comment. You are correct. I will update the post to include the pertinent information.

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